*New* Buttons Bamboo Prefold Diapers Review & Giveaway

Buttons Diapers was always an AI2 system, with reusable shells and snap-in pads. But since the shells also make great little diaper covers, it makes complete sense that Buttons would add prefold diapers to its product line-up. We received a complimentary review pack of Size 2 Buttons prefolds, which are made of 55% bamboo and 45% unbleached cotton.

If you’ve only used cotton prefolds before, the bamboo/cotton version is softer and silkier in comparison. You’ll notice this right off the bat.

Buttons recommends a minimum of two washes before first use, but they achieve maximum absorbency after four or more wash/dry cycles. Our Size 2 prefolds measured 13×5 by 14.5 out of the package and about 12×12.5 inches after prepping. Buttons prefolds are 4x8x4 ply, which translates to 4 layers on either side and 8 layers down the middle. They are durable “diaper service quality” prefolds, meant to withstand years of washing and drying.

Before first use, prefolds are dense and smooth (below), but after washing they fluff up.

We chose Size 2 because Mary Kate is 9 months old and about 15 pounds. She wears her Buttons Diapers on the medium setting right now, and the Size 2 prefold is a perfect fit inside (photo below).

If you are using Buttons covers on the largest setting, fully opened up, the Size 2 prefold fits but with some room to spare. It’s very possible that with an average sized baby you could make the Size 2’s work and not have to go up to a 3. However, if you’re already diapering a bigger or older toddler, definitely go with the Buttons Super Covers and Size 3 prefolds.

If you are diapering a newborn, or using Buttons covers on the very smallest setting right now, you might opt for Size 1. Or, you can make a Size 2 work by folding the front or back under, or by folding and pinning.

If you don’t pin your prefolds, but just like to trifold and lay in a cover like I do, try fanning out the wings in the back, like a newspaper (below). This little tip helps to give you some extra coverage in the rear. Speaking of pinning, Buttons bamboo prefolds have worked just fine with both of our diaper fasteners (Snappi’s and Boingo’s). And it goes without saying that you can use Buttons prefolds with other brands of covers in your rotation.

Pricewise, Buttons bamboo prefolds are comparable to others on the market, at roughly $2.58 and up per diaper. This is higher than 100% cotton, but with bamboo you get extra softness and absorbency. As evidence of this, Mary Kate can’t always wear a plain cotton prefold through a nap, but with bamboo it’s always a win. At night, you can pair a Buttons insert of your choice on top of or underneath the prefold.

Having tried bamboo blend prefolds, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to plain cotton! <—–SPOILED Over time, bamboo prefolds do lose a little of their initial softness, but it’s nothing dramatic.

I don’t want to wrap up this post without mentioning one of Button’s newest prints – PINE! The warm, mossy green, accented with white pine boughs, is beautiful at any time of year.

Mary Kate (9 months and 15 pounds) is wearing the Pine cover with her new, trim bamboo prefolds:If new to Buttons Diapers, you might be wondering, “Which should I choose? The prefolds or the snap-in pads?” Good question! Although it certainly doesn’t take a long time to fold a prefold in thirds and lay in a cover, many people still like the convenience of an insert that snaps in and stays put. You can snap your Buttons inserts in ahead of time and have the diapers all ready to go. In terms of absorbency, it’s difficult to compare the two since Buttons has so many options (Stay Dry, Hemp, Bamboo, etc.) and they can be used in different combinations (two inserts snapped together, one insert with one prefold, etc.). One area you may notice a difference in will be drying times; our Buttons bamboo prefolds definitely dry more quickly than the multi-layered bamboo and hemp inserts.

Where to buy: You can shop for Buttons Diapers directly at their website; the new prefolds are covered under a 90-day no questions asked warranty when purchased through their site. Sizes and styles available are:

About Anne Marie

I'm the creator of Zephyr Hill Blog, where families can find help with cloth diapers, homeschooling and hobby farming. Be sure to check out my huge database of cloth diaper reviews. There's also a shopping guide to help you find the best deals!

I would definitely be interested in Bamboo prefolds. I hear they’re a great option for absorbency and they can make a great booster as well. I really like the “brite” pattern, but I think it may have been LE.

While we have some Buttons diapers and are very happy with them we have yet to try the pre-folds. I’ve read so many good things about the bamboo and absorbency. We have been looking at pre-folds as a cost reduction. Thanks for the review. Love the Pine print too.

Oddly enough I have never tried prefolds in my Button diapers. I love the softness & absorbency of bamboo & would love to try the Buttons prefolds to replace the other prefolds we have that are now too short.

Fav Buttons print right now is probably flourish, but I’m pregnant with #2 and we are not finding out the sex, so if I were to make a purchase it would probably be Pine since that much more gender neutral

I would love to try Button’s bamboo/cotton prefolds! I have some of their cotton prefolds for out little guy that’s expected to be here January 1st, but I’ve had my eye on the bamboo! Also really loving the Pine and Maverick prints from Buttons 🙂

I love bamboo in general .. I have a grovia bamboo prefold and they’re so soft .. I also have bamboo flats from diaper junction and they’re amazing .. looking forward to try thenlargest size from prefold as I’m more concerned about sizing for my chunky baby ☺️Thank you

I would love to try the prefolds!! I love their other inserts and I’m thinking the prefolds are just as awesome!! My current favorite print is Fetch!! I’m itching for that one for baby boy due in April!

I really want to try prefolds. I heard they are better suited for heavy wetters. I love the new pine print and Amethyst and plan to get then soo. We love our buttons and it’s all our stash consists of.

I would love to try the bamboo prefolds! Our first baby is due early February, so we have been reading various blogs and doing research to find out what would work best for us and baby. So far we only have 1 Buttons cloth diaper, the Lumberjack pattern. I couldn’t resist it and HAD to go ahead and order it because it’s just so darn cute!
Looking forward to reading and following your blog now. Thanks to Buttons Diapers for the suggestion to you! 🙂

I would love to try the Bamboo prefolds! 💜 I have only tried cotton prefolds in a different brand and they are just “meh ” for me. Curious to see how different bamboo is. I also love the Lumberjack and Pine prints!

I’m hoping to get my hands on a Flourish before they’re sold out! I’m looking to switch from our MF Buttons inserts since we’ve been having some compression leaks. I’d like to try out the hemp inserts and these brand new bamboo prefolds to see what will work out for us!

I used to be intimidated by prefolds. Every new baby, a few more prefolds creep into our stash. They’re not intimidating- they’re versatile! I can make them as complicated or as easy as I want. Everything I’ve tries from buttons is quality so I’d like to try the prefold!